Bianca's Ebay shopping tips 101

Ebay is a great place to buy stuff....if you know what you are looking for.  Unfortunately, it's also an easy place to get scammed.  But if you are patient and do your research it has GREAT deals.  So here are a few tips I use when I shop/browse on ebay for name brand items. 

-  I always look at the seller feedback and read all the negative comments from the past year (if there is any).   I want to know why they were given a bad review, for what items, and what was their response.  If they responded harshly to the buyer, I would pass on that seller.

example:

	The Scarf is Stained Everywhere, Worst Seller, Had to Discput to get money back!
	Reply by dordor (May-15-10 17:57): The scarf was RELISTED AND SOLD!!! Other Buyer Loved it! You were CHEAP

-  Know where your seller is shipping your item from.   Obviously I would avoid buying anything overseas.  But also avoid places that you know sells a lot of fakes, eg. LA, NY.    Sometimes sellers do not list where they are located, I would msg them and ask where they are shipping from exactly.

example
Item location:      ADD'L ITEMS SHIP FREE, United States

(city is not listed! , email them and ask!)

- Look at their other items they've sold in the past, and are currently selling.    Do their other items match what you are looking for?  Is someone selling books  and car parts , suddenly selling a Prada bag??  or is consistent with what you are looking for.   I've seen foreign sellers who have realllly high ratings but when you click on their other items, you would see that they are selling stickers and stamps for 1cent, then their friend or they themselves open other accounts, buy that item and give themselves spam ratings.

- Don't buy highly popular to fake items .. like LV, Prada, Gucci.  I mean you CAN only if you've done a lot of research and get it looked at by the experts at the purseforum .

- Go see the real thing:  Also, I suggest going into into a retail store and inspect the legit product iteself so you are familiar with its quality and design.  Makes it easier for you to spot the discrepancies online.  Also don't be afraid to ask more questions and request more pictures.  If they don't, pass.

- Research your seller .  do a quick google search of ur seller's ID name. Also run their name through purseforum if you are buying something namebrand.   If they are a good seller and freq seller of high end stuff, you will see their name in purseblog.

- Be specific.   Ebay is really not a place to browse.  Know what you are looking for specifically.   See that Chloe bag you like, can't afford it?  Look for it on ebay.   And be patient.  It might not be on there but if you check back once in a while.  you might get lucky.

It is a lot bout luck though...but if you do your hmk you can find almost anything!  Also if its too good to be true, it probably isn't an authentic item.

That being said..here are  is an example of the great deals on ebay:

Marc Jacobs wallet - $425

SOLD on ebay:  $220 brand new

 Tory Burch Ballerina Flats:  Nordstrom $200 dollars -  EBay $ 139